Five people have been killed and 3,758 homes in 144 districts of 36 provinces affected by summer storms, said Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Chayapol Thitisak on Friday.

Early relief aid, including home repair assistance and distribution of relief bags was provided by Army, local administrative officials and related agencies, he said.

The latest incident occurred in Chiang Rai’s Muang district at around 8pm on Thursday when a large tree fell onto a sedan parked in front of Samakkhee Wittayakhom School, by luck not causing any injuries or deaths. Several powerlines in the nearby area were also affected by toppled trees and blown tree branches. Municipal workers spent hours that night clearing the fallen tree and branches.

Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department on Friday issued a thunderstorm warning for upper Thailand for April 24-27, including for lightning with gusty winds and hail. Those in the Northeast should brace for severe weather during April 24-25 while those in the North, the Central area including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East – as well as parts of the South – should be on alert during April 25-27.

Those in need of aids resulting from the storms can call the hotline 1784 around the clock.